The well-known lobby atrium at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort &Spa will be lit in blue, the color of colon cancer awareness, through the month of March.
Additionally, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, under the leadership of Diann Hartman, herself a cancer survivor, hosted the Sixth annual Bum Run on Saturday following a three-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions.
These actions demonstrate Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i’s efforts to raise awareness during March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Though little talked about, colorectal cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer, yet screening is easy and colorectal cancer is highly curable, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said.
Diagnosis is rising at younger ages, with rates among those 55 years and under having doubled in the past 15 years.
More than 120 people participated in the fun run and walk along the back nine holes on Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course. The run, coupled with a silent auction, featured locally made jewelry, island activities, stays at Hyatt resorts in San Francisco, San Diego, Maui, and O‘ahu, dining, spa experiences and more. The proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on Kaua‘i.
The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i has lost a number of its ‘ohana to colon cancer, have some currently facing the challenge, and have some who have overcome the challenge and continue to thrive. With the ultimate goal being no one has to hear the words “You have cancer,” the awareness raised from previous events resulted in increased screenings taking place after the events.
Anyone 45 or older should absolutely be screened, and anyone with a family history of the disease or concerns should get screened, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i said.
“These awareness events is so needed, and the monies raised for the American Cancer Society help Kaua‘i residents with cancer treatment,” said Hartman, resort director of marketing communications and a Stage 4 colon cancer survivor.
“The Bum Run was a fun way to start the day on a beautiful course which many, unless they golf, don’t ever see. There were nene on the course, and whale sightings in addition to the views,” she said.
Hartman said the Bum Run draws residents and visitors alike, with this year’s runners coming from Colorado, Alaska, California and Florida.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
